Tamron 90mm F/2.8 Di III MACRO VXD

Testers report very high resolution from f/2.8 at both macro and normal distances, with even performance across the frame and low distortion. Bokeh is smooth and free of onion rings, and the lens works well as a 90mm portrait prime as well as a macro.

AF is quick and quiet by macro-lens standards, and the limiter helps at portrait distances. The usual criticisms are visible focus breathing, the lack of optical stabilisation that Sony's own 90mm macro offers, and no programmable focus-hold button on the barrel.

Owners mostly compare it with the Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS and say the Tamron matches it for sharpness at a lower price and with faster, quieter focus. The 12-blade aperture and the hood's filter window get frequent mentions.

Complaints are about missing OSS on bodies with weaker IBIS, the plastic-feeling barrel compared with older SP models, and AF that can still hunt in very low light at close range without the limiter set.